In a blow to uncut men around the globe, researchers in Canada have concluded that circumcision does NOT result in reduced sexual sensitivity, debunking popular folklore. Additionally, research shows circumcision actually has long-term health benefits.

The group of researchers at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario led by scientist Jennifer Bossio studied 62 healthy men — half circumcised, half uncircumcised. Controlling for a handful of factors including age and religious affiliation, scientists tested three areas of the penis: glans, midline shaft and an area adjacent to the midline shaft. For the uncircumcised men, they also tested the foreskin.

The results of the research, published in The Journal of Urology, were conclusive. Said Ms. Bossio: “This study indicates that neonatal circumcision is not associated with changes in penile sensitivity.”

Ms. Bossio and her fellow scientists used thorough methods to test penile sensitivity. For each man, they charted warmth detection, tactile detection, pain threshold (ouch) and heat threshold (double ouch) at each of the three (or four, for uncircumcised men) areas of the penis that were studied.

In addition to the measurements, the 62 men were quizzed about their sexual functioning in the previous month. The questions covered five main topics: sexual desire, erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and overall sexual satisfaction. Again, no difference was found between the circumcised men and the uncircumcised men.

For the uncircumcised men, the sensitivity of their foreskin was much less than any of the other three studied areas of the penis. In fact, the scientists found that the foreskin’s sensitivity was more similar to skin on the men’s arms than anywhere on the penis.

Ms. Bossio stated that the research resulted in “evidence to suggest that the foreskin is not the most sensitive part of the penis.”

With research also finding that getting circumcised reduces the risk of contracting herpes by 30%, HIV by 50% and urinary tract infections by 75%, science is close to declaring a winner in the debate between cut and uncut.

Thank you, Ms. Bossio, for your diligent work on this very important matter.